Senate Passes Firearm Reforms

Liz Gullett

Mar 17, 2023

This week, the Senate passed a series of bills making changes to gun laws in Michigan. The bills would institute a universal background check, require safe storage of guns, and creates “red flag” laws in the state.

Under the safe storage piece, a gun owner with a minor present must follow certain requirements for the storage of that gun. The legislation outlines penalties if a minor gets a hold of a non-secured gun and injures themselves or others. It also requires the Department of Health and Human Services and federally licensed dealers to provide educational literature on the requirement. To help residents purchase safes and lock boxes, the sales and use taxes on those devices would be eliminated 90 days after the bill takes effect.

Lastly, the package creates the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Act, or what is commonly known as “red flag” laws. This allows a petition to be filed to stop a person from obtaining or possessing a gun for a period of time. The petitioner could be one of a specified individual, such as a family member, police, or a mental health professional. Once the petition is filed, an emergency court hearing would be held to determine if the ERPO is necessary.

The bill package will be sent to the House for consideration.

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